BY MICHELLE KIM

The Weare School Board heard an overview of the proposed 2008-09 school budget of about $12.5 million, which represents an increase of $1.1 million, or about 10 percent, over the 2007-08 default school budget, at their Thursday, Nov. 20, meeting. The goals of this budget were to address salary and literacy needs, according to the overview narrative. Technology also was a major factor in this budget along with transportation, said Jim Crane, business administrator for SAU 24. About three-quarters of the increase comes from salary increases and benefits, many of which are previously contracted, said Crane.

Among the few new hire proposals was a math/science teacher for Weare Middle School and reinstatement of a first-grade teacher for Center Woods Elementary.

The larger-than-expected adequacy education grant for the 2007-08 and 2008-09 year allowed much of the increased spending.

“This budget does things we wanted to do and needed to do for years and years but couldn’t do because the tax base couldn’t support it,” said Crane.

The default 2008-09 school budget should be available later this year. The Weare School Board will meet for more a more detailed workshop session on Friday, Nov. 30.

Also reported at the meeting was the cost for double-wide portable trailers for preschool classes that would be moved out to make room for an expanded kindergarten program. The trailers would cost about $45,000, with $20,000 for site work, plus addtional staffing.